Sheet separator device



Sept. 26, 1967 A. J. MAZZIO SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE Filed Aug. 1, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet l l4- G 22 7g llvvavrog aid/20123177203310 ditjgs Sept. 26, 1967 A. J. MAZZIO SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE Filed Aug. 1, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 "w my, a

llvvElvrog bzflwrz y 772615510 Sept. 26, 1967 A. J. MAZZIO 3,343,834 I SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 1, 1966 United States Patent 3,343,834 SHEET SEPARATOR DEVICE Anthony J. Mazzio, Chicago, Ill., assignor to A. B. Dick Company, Niles, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Filed Aug. 1, 1966, Ser. No. 569,402

- 24 Claims. (Cl. 271-64) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sheet handling mechanism, comprising means for propelling first and second superimposed sheets along a path with said first sheet projecting slightly ahead of said second sheet, a stationary deflector disposed on one side of the path, a separating finger projecting into the path between the propelling means and the deflector, a projection or hook on the finger for temporarily catching the leading edge of the first sheet whereby the advancing movement of the first sheet causes the finger to swing out of the path, and a pair of strippers for disl-odging the first sheet from the projection on the finger whereby the first and second sheets will pass on opposite sides of the deflector. The modified construction comprising a solenoid to assist the movement of the separating finger between the strippers, and switching means operable by the movement of the sheets for energizing and de-energizing the solenoid.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Ser. No. 482,665, filed Aug. 26, 1965, now abandoned.

This invention relates to mechanisms or machines for handling sheets of paper or other sheet material.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new 'and improved sheet separating device for separating one superimposed sheet from another so that the sheets may be directed along separate paths.

The sheet separating device of the present invention has many applications, but is particularly useful for separating the superimposed original and copy sheets in a photocopy machine, after the sheets have been exposed to light or other radiation. Such exposure generally produces a latent image of the original on the copy sheet. Following exposure, it is generally the practice to direct the copy sheet through a developer system to develop the latent image so that it will be visible. The sheet separating device of the present invention may be employed to separate the copy sheet from the original so that only the copy sheet will be directed through the developer system, the original being returned to the operator alon a separate path. To facilitate the separation of the sheets, one of them is propelled to the separator with its leading edge projecting slightly beyond the leading edge of the other sheet.

A further object is to provide a new and improved sheet separating device having at least one movable finger or the like which intercepts the projecting edge of the first sheet and causes the first sheet to curl away from the second sheet so that the first sheet is carried past a deflector plate or other member before escaping from the finger, the second sheet being intercepted and carried away by the deflector.

Another object is to provide such a new and improved sheet separating device in which the movable finger is provided with a tip portion which temporarily retains the first sheet but which the first sheet is readily able to slide past, after the first sheet has been curled away from the second sheet and past the deflector.

A further object is to provide a sheet separating device in which such tip portion of the finger may assume a 3,343,834 Patented Sept. 26, 1967 variety of forms, comprising, for example, an enlargement, ridge, hump, shoulder or book.

Another object is to provide a new and improved sheet separating device of the foregoing character in which one or more strippers are provided to assist in dislodging the first sheet from the movable finger, after the first sheet has been carried past the deflector.

A further object is to provide such a new and improved sheet separating device which employs a pair of spaced strippers, and in which the sheet retaining tip portion of the movable finger is movable between the strippers and is narrow relative to the spacing of the strippers, so as to facilitate the dislodgement of the sheet, without any possibility of damage to the sheet.

It is a further object to provide a new and improved sheet separating device of the foregoing character in which power means are provided to assist the movement of the movable finger as the sheet is stripped therefrom, such power means being deenergized after the sheet has passed the movable finger.

Another object is to provide a new and improved sheet separating device which is highly efiective, yet low in cost and easy to manufacture.

A further object is to provide a sheet separating device which operates effectively with only a very small prm trusion of the first sheet beyond the second sheet.

Further objects of the present invention will appear from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation, partly in section, of a sheet-handling mechanism which is equipped with a sheet separating device to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation showing the movable finger as it intercepts the first sheet.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged elevation similar to FIG. 2 but showing the manner in which the movable finger is effective to curl the first sheet away from the second sheet as the finger is displaced from its initial position by the first sheet.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged elevation similar to FIG. 3 but showing the manner in which the first sheet escapes from the movable finger, with the assistance of the strippers.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation taken generally as indicated by the line 55 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the movable finger.

FIGS. 7-10 are fragmentary elevations similar to FIG. 2, showing modified constructions for the movable finger.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational section of a sheethandling mechanism having a modified sheet separating device.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged section, taken generally along the line 1212 in FIG. 11.

FIG, 13 is a fragmentary section taken generally along the line 1313 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified sheet-separating finger employed in the device of FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 15 is an electrical circuit diagram of the power means employed in the device of FIG. 11 for assisting the separation of the sheet from the movable finger.

The invention is shown by way of example in FIG. 1 as embodied in a sheet-handling mechanism 10 for a photocopy machine. It will be realized, however, that the present invention will find many other uses and applications.

The illustrated mechanism 10 is adapted to transport an original sheet 12 and a copy sheet 14 past a tubular lamp 16, whereby the copy sheet is exposed to light from the lamp, so as to produce a latent image on the copy sheet, corresponding to any writing, printed matter, drawings or the like which may appear on the original. It will be understood that the original 12 may be in the form of any document or the like which is to be copied. The mechanism employs only two sheets, but the invention is also applicable to similar mechanisms adapted to handle three sheets.

For exposure of the copy sheet 14, the original 12 and the copy sheet 14 are superimposed, but the sheets are positioned so that the leading edge of one of the sheets projects slightly beyond the other sheet. In this case, the copy sheet 14 has a leading edge portion 18 which projects slightly beyond the original 12. If desired, the projecting portion may be produced by making the copy sheet 14 slightly longer than the original 12. With this arrangement, the sheets 12 and 14 may be superimposed with the trailing edges of the sheets in alignment with each other. The copy sheet, being longer, will automatically project ahead of the original 12. Even if the original and copy sheets 12 and 14 are the same length, the sheets may be staggered slightly so that the leading edge 18 of the copy sheet will be ahead of the leading edge of the original 12. The present invention has the advantage that the amount by which one of the sheets needs to project beyond the other sheet may be minimized, while still assuring effective operation of the sheet separating device. Thus, in the case of the illustrated mechanism, it has been found that the leading edge portion 18 of the copy sheet 14 needs to project only about one thirty-second of an inch beyond the leading edge of the original.

In the illustrated mechanism 10, the superimposed original and copy sheets are fed between a hollow transparent or translucent roller 20 and one or more endless belts 22 which press the superimposed sheets against the roller 29. The tubular lamp 16 is mounted within the transparent roller 20 so that the superimposed sheets 12 and 14 are illuminated by the lamp through the transparent wall of the roller. The endless belt 22 is strung around three rollers or pulleys 24, 26 and 23. After passing around the roller 24, the belt 22 passes part way around the transparent roller 20, and then moves away from the roller 20 to pass around the rollers 26 and 28. The ends of the transparent roller 24 are supported by hearing rollers 27 and 29.

Where the belt 22 leaves the transparent roller 20, the superimposed sheets 12 and 14 are propelled in a direction which is generally tangential to the roller 20. At this point, a sheet separating device 30 is provided to separate the original and copy sheets 12 and 14 so that they may be directed along separate paths. The copy sheet 14 is directed into a developer system, not shown, which develops the latent image so that it will be visible. The original 12 is directed along a different path and is returned to the operator along a deflector plate 32.

The sheet separating device 30 comprises a movable finger or other member 36 which intercepts the projecting edge 18 of the copy sheet 14 and causes the copy sheet to be curled away from the original 12. It will be seen that the original 12 continues to travel along its tangential path until it is intercepted by the deflector 32, whereupon it is guided therealong, back to the operator.

The movable finger 36 is mounted for movement by the sheet 14 in a direction having a longitudinal component along the tangential path of the sheets 12 and 14, and also a lateral component, away from such path. In this case, the finger 36 is mounted on an arm 37 which is swingable about a pivot 38. It will be seen that the pivot 38 is spaced laterally from the tangential path of the sheets 12 and 14 and in trailing relation to the finger 36.

As illustrated, the finger 36 is in the form of a flat bar 01' blade. Initially, the finger 36 extends transversely across the tangential path of the sheets 12 and 14, preferably at an angle of somewhat less than 90 degrees to such path. As shown, the finger 36 extends at an acute angle to a radial line between the pivot 38 and the tip of the finger.

The illustrated arm 37 is bent to form an inner portion 39, an intermediate portion 40 and an outer portion 41. The finger 36 is adjustably mounted on the outer portion 41. Thus, clamping screws 42 extend through one or more slots 43 in the finger 36 and are threaded into tapped holes 44 in the outer portion 41 of the arm 37. To adjust the finger 36, the screws 42 may be loosened so that the finger may be extended or retracted relative to the arm 37. The screws 42 are then tightened to maintain the adjustment.

Means are provided to bias the movable finger 36 into the tangential path of the sheets 12 and 14. The biasing may be accomplished by either gravitational or spring action. As shown, the biasing action is provided by a spring 46 which is stretched between the arm 37 and a stationary anchoring point 47. Other types of biasing springs may be employed. The arm abuts against a stop member 48 in its initial position.

In the mechanism of FIG. 1, the tangential path of the sheets 12 and 14 extends downwardly from the roller 20. The leading sheet 14 engages the movable finger 36 and causes it to swing about the pivot 38, which is located so that the finger 36 swings downwardly and laterally to the right. Such movement of the finger 36 causes the sheet 14 to be curled away from the sheet 12. In this way, the movable finger 36 carries the sheet 14 around the deflector 32 so that the sheet 14 is not intercepted by the deflector. After passing the deflector 32, the sheet 14 escapes from the movable finger 36 and passes downwardly under the deflector 32.

Preferably, the movable finger 36 is provided with a specially formed tip portion 50 which temporarily retains the sheet 14 so that it will be curled past the deflector 32. The tip portion may assume a variety of forms. In the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tip portion 50 comprises a ridge or hump 51 which is formed on. the outer end of the finger 36. The ridge 51 extends across the width of the finger and provides a transverse shoulder 52 which temporarily retains the sheet 14. The shoulder 52 is at an inclined angle relative to the finger 36.

It will be understood that the inclined shoulder 52 of the ridge 51 snags and temporarily holds the projecting edge 18 of the sheet 14 so that it will be curled laterally by the swinging movement of the finger 36, as shown to advantage in FIG. 3. The other sheet 12 passes by the ridge 51 without being snagged thereby and without any material change in its tangential path.

As the finger 36 is swung laterally, the sheet 14 has an increased tendency to escape from the shoulder 52, which aflords only a limited resistance to the escape of the sheet. While the sheet 14 would escape by itself from the finger 36, the illustrated mechanism is provided with one or more strippers 53 to assist in stripping or dislodging the sheet 14 from the finger 36. Preferably, two strippers 53 are provided, one on each side of the finger 36, as shown in FIG. 5. The strippers 53 comprise spaced stationary blades or bars having edges- 54 which intercept the sheet 14 and are eifective to deflect the sheet away from the finger 36. The downward movement of the sheet 14 causes the finger 36 to move between the strippers 53, whereupon the sheet engages the edges 54 and is dislodged from the tip portion 50 of the finger. The sheet 14 passes downwardly along the strippers 53 and into a developer system. After the leading edge of the sheet 14 has escaped from the movable finger 36, the finger is held in a downwardly displaced position by the passing sheet. When the entire sheet 14 has passed the finger 36, the spring 46 causes the finger 36 to return clockwise to its initial position.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate modified constructions for the movable finger 36. In these modified constructions, the

shape of the tip portion is changed to suit various conditions. Thus, FIG. 7 illustrates a modified tip portion 50a comprising a ridge or hump 51a which has a steeper shoulder 52a than in the case of the construction of FIG. 2. The steeper shoulder provides a greater degree of retention for the sheet 14 which is to be separated from the other sheet 12. It may be desirable to provide such a steeper shoulder for use with sheets which are unusually thin and flexible.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified tip portion 50b comprising a ridge 51b having a shoulder 525 which is less steep than in the case of the construction shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the sheets 14 will escape more readily from the shoulder 52]), than in the case of the shoulder 52. It may be desirable to make the angle of the shoulder less steep for use with relatively thick or stiff sheets.

FIG. 9 illustrates another modified construction for the finger 36, having a tip portion 50c in the form of a rounded bead 51c which is enlarged or thickened relative to the remainder of the finger 36. The bead 510 provides a shoulder 520 for resisting the sliding movement of the sheets 14 off the finger 36. The action of the bead 510 is similar to that of the ridge or hump 51 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates a modified finger 66 which is similar to the finger 36 except that it is thin and flexible and is provided with a tip portion in the form of a hook or curled member 68. The hook 68 provides a shoulder 70 which is effective to catch and temporarily hold the leading edge of the sheet 14, in much the same manner as in the case of the ridge or hump 51. After the finger 66 has swung a sufiicient distance away from the tangential path of the sheets 12- and 14, the sheet 14 escapes from the hook 68 and slides past the finger 66. In this case, the finger '66 is adapted to flex so as to facilitate the release of the sheet 14. The finger 66 is preferably made of metal, but may be made of plastic or other suitable materials. The finger 36 of FIGS. l-9 is preferably made of plastic but may also be made of metal or other suitable materials.

It may be helpful to summarize the operation of the mechanism 10 as shown in FIGS. 16. The superimposed sheets 12 and 14 are fed between the translucent roller 20 and the belt 22 with the leading edge of the sheet 14 projecting slightly ahead of the sheet 12. The sheets 12 and 14 are exposed to the light from the lamp 16 which is within the roller 20.

From the roller 20, the superimposed sheets 12 and 14 are propelled downwardly in a tangential direction. The movable finger 36 of the sheet separating device 30 intercepts the leading edge of the sheet 14, which slides along the finger until it encounters the shoulder 52 formed by the ridge or hump 51. The projecting edge 18 of the sheet 14 is snagged or caught by the shoulder 52, so that the sheet 14 is temporarily retained on the finger. The continuing movement of the sheet 14 causes the finger 36 to swing downwardly and laterally about the pivot 38. The swinging movement of the finger 36 causes the sheet 14 to be curled laterally away from the other sheet 12, which moves past the finger and continues along its tangential path. Thus, the sheet 14 is curled over and past the deflector 32 so that the sheet 14 is not intercepted by the deflector. On the other hand, the sheet 12 continues downwardly and is intercepted by the deflector so that the sheet 12 is'returned to the operator along the upper side of the deflector 32.

The downward and lateral movement of the finger 36 carries the sheet 14 against the edges 54 of the strippers 53 which dislodge the sheet 14 from the shoulder 52. Thus, the sheet 14 escapes from the finger 36 and passes downwardly along the strippers and beneath the deflector 32. In this way, the sheet 14 may be directed into the developer system, while the sheet 12 is returned to the operator.

The sheet separating device of the present invention operates very eflectively and dependably with only a slight protrusion of the leading sheet beyond the adjacent sheets. The protrusion need be only the slight amount which will enable the shoulder 52 on the finger 36 to hold the projecting sheet while permitting the other sheet to pass freely by the finger. A protrusion of only one thirtysecond of an inch is usually adequate. With all of its advantages, the sheet separating device of the present invention is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

The provision of a single separator finger is generally advantageous. However, a plurality of spaced separator fingers may be provided, if desired.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate still another modified construction for the movable finger 36. Thus, as shown to best advantage in FIGS. 12-14, the finger 36 is provided with a modified tip portion 50d, comprising a hump or projection 510! which is substantially narrower than the full width of the finger 36. In this respect, the hump 51d differs from the hump 51 of FIG. 1, which is shown as extending for the full width of the finger 36. The modified hump or projection 51d of FIGS. ll-14 comprise only the central portion of the finger 36 at the outer end thereof. The cross-sectional shape of the hump 51d, as shown to best advantage in FIG. 13, is similar to that described in connection with FIG. 2. Thus, the hump or projlsction 51d provides a shoulder 52:?! which temporarily reta ns the leading edge of the sheet 14.

In the modified construction of FIGS. 11-14, the hump or projection 51d is duplicated on both the upper and lower sides of the finger 36. In this way, the finger 36 may be mounted with either side directed upwardly. This construction obviates any possible error in the assembly of the finger 36 on the supporting arm 37.

The reduced width of the hump or projection 51d makes it easier for the strippers 53 to dislodge the sheet 14 from the finger 36. As shown in FIG. 12, the width of the hump 510! is substantially less than the spacing between the strippers 53. Thus, when the sheet 14 engages the edges 54 of the strippers 53, the sheet can bend or bow outwardly between the strippers, with a gradual curvature. The bowed portion of the sheet 14 is designated 14a in FIG. 12. The bowing of the sheet 14 assists in the stripping of the sheet from the hump 51d on the finger 36. Moreover, the narrowness of the hump 51d substantially obviates any possibility that the hump will tear or nick the sheet when the sheet is stripped from the hump. The separating device of FIGS. 11-15 also includes power means to assist in the stripping of the sheet 14 from the hump 51d on the separating finger 36. Such power means may be either mechanical or electrical in character. The illustrated power means 100 comprise a solenoid or elcctromagnet 102 having a core or pole piece 104 made of steel or other magnetic material. The electromagnet 102 is positioned and arranged to add impetus to the movement of the separating finger 36 as the sheet 14 is stripped from the hump 51d. Thus, the magnetic core 104 of the solenoid 102 is positioned in the path of the intermediate portion 40 of the supporting arm 47 for the finger 36. In this case, the arm 37 is also made of steel or other magnetic material so that it will be attracted by the core 104 of the solenoid 102, when the solenoid is energized. The core 104 is positioned so that the arm 37 closely approaches the core when the hump 51d on the finger 36 is just beginning to move between the strippers 53. At this point in the movement of the finger 36, the sheet 14 has been moved into engagement with the edges 54 of the strippers 53 so that further movement of the finger will dislodge the sheet from the hump 51d. The magnetic attraction aflorded by the solenoid 102 causes such further movement of the finger 36 to occur in a positive and abrupt manner. Thus, the sheet 14 is stripped in a highly positive manner from the hump 51d on the finger 36. The solenoid 102 pulls the arm 37 to a position in which the tip portion 50d of the finger 36 is moved into the space between the strippers '53-, so as to be out of the way of the sheet 14 as it moves downwardly past the strippers 53.. a

The machine of FIGS. 11-15 is arranged so that the solenoid 102 is de-energized after the stripping operation has been completed. In this way, the arm 37 is released for return movement to its original position, in preparation for the separation of the next pair of sheets. Thus, the energization of the solenoid 102 may be controlled by switches 112 and 114, which are shown in FIGS. 11 and 15. The illustrated switches 112 and 114 are connected in parallel so that the closure of either switch will connect the solenoid 102 across a pair of power lines 115 and 117, adapted to supply alternating current. Direct current may also be employed if desired. The physical positions of the switches 112 and 114 will be evident from FIG. 11. It will be seen that the switch 112 is positioned so as to be operated by the original sheet 12 as it is fed toward the transparent drum which carries it past the exposure lamp 16. The original sheet 12 is directed to the transparent drum 20 by a pair of guide plates 116 and 118. The illustrated switch 112 has an operating arm 120 which is initially positioned so that it extends at an inclined angle through openings 122 and 124 in the guide plates 116 and 118. The movement of the original sheet 12 between the plates 116 and 118 deflects the arm 120 so as to close the switch 112.

The illustrated switch 114 is adapted to be operated by each copy sheet 14 as it is fed toward the transparent drum 20. Thus, the switch 114 has an operating arm 128 which is positioned initially so as to extend at a slanting angle through openings 130 and 132 in a pair of guide plates 134 and 136, between which the copy sheet 14 is fed. The copy sheet 14 deflects the arm 128 and causes closure of the switch 114.

It will be evident that the switches 112 and 114 energize the solenoid 102 when the original and copy sheets 12 and 14 are fed to the transparent drum 20. Moreover, the switches 112 and 114 maintain the energization of the solenoid 102 as long as either sheet 12 or 14 is still moving past the corresponding switch 112 and 114. When both sheets 12 and 14 have moved past the corresponding switches 112 and 114, the solenoid 102 is de-energized so as to release the arm 37 for return movement to its initial position, as shown in full lines in FIG. 11. It will be understood that the power means, including the solenoid 102, may be omitted, if desired.

The guide plates 134 and 136 direct each copy sheet 14 through a corona housing 140 in which a corona discharge is produced around a plurality of wires or other electrodes 142, maintained at an extremely high voltage. The corona discharge causes electrification of the copy sheet, as required by the electrostatic copying process employed by the illustrated machine. The switches 112 and 114 may also be arranged to control the application of the high voltage to the corona electrodes 142. If desired, the switches 112 and 114 may be provided with separate sets of contacts to control the solenoid 102 and the corona discharge in the housing 140'.

After passing the strippers 53, the copy sheet 14 travels along one or more guide members 146 to a developing unit 148. The original sheet 12 is intercepted by the deflector plate 32 and thus is caused to travel along the deflector plate so that it will be returned to the separator. Additional guide plates 148 and 150 are provided above successive portions of the deflector plate 32. Except as otherwise described, the mechanism of FIG. 11 may be the same as described in connection with FIG. 1.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, as exemplified in the foregoing description and defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a sheet handling mechanism,

the combination comprising means for propelling a plurality of sheets with the first sheet projecting slightly ahead of the adjacent sheet,

a finger positioned in the path of said sheets,

means supporting said finger for swinging movement by said first sheet,

said finger having a shoulder thereon for momentarily retaining said first sheet thereon,

said finger being swingably movable with a longitudinal component along the path of said sheets and a lateral component away from said path,

means biasing said finger to resist the swinging move ment of said finger by said first sheet,

a deflector disposed on one side of the path of said sheets beyond said finger,

said first sheet being effective to move said finger .past

said deflector,

said shoulder of said finger being operative to carry said first sheet laterally away from the adjacent sheet and past said deflector While the adjacent sheet moves past said finger and also past one side of said deflector,

and a stripper member extending adjacent the path of said finger and beyond said deflector for stripping said first sheet from said finger and guiding said first sheet on the opposite side of said deflector,

said sheets being movable past the same side of said finger.

2. The combination of claim 1,

comprising a plurality of such stripper members for engaging said first sheet at spaced points along the leading edge thereof.

' 3. In a sheet handling mechanism,

the combination comprising means for propelling first and second sheets with the leading edge of said first sheet slightly in advance of said second sheet,

a stationary deflector disposed on one side of the path of said sheets,

a separating finger extending into the path of said sheets at a point therealong between said propelling means and said deflector,

means supporting said finger for movement past said deflector and out of said path,

said finger being movable by said first sheet,

means biasing said finger into the path of said first sheet,

and means on the tip portion of said finger for temporarily retaining said first sheet thereon to curl said first sheet away from said second sheet and past said deflector whereby said sheets pass on opposite sides of said deflector,

said first sheet being movable past said finger after being curled past said deflector.

4. The combination of claim 3,

in Which said means on the tip portion of said finger comprises an enlargement on the tip of said finger for temporarily retaining said first sheet so that said finger carries said first sheet past said deflector before said first sheet slides past said enlargement on said finger.

5. The combination of claim 3,

in which said means on said tip portion of said finger comprises a hook portion on the tip of said finger for temporarily retaining said first sheet to carry said first sheet past said deflector before said first sheet slides off said hook portion of said finger.

6. The combination of claim 3,

in which said means on the tip portion of said finger comprises a shoulder for catching the leading edge of the first sheet.

7. In a sheet handling mechanism,

the combination comprising means for propelling first and second sheets along a predetermined path and with the leading edge of said first sheet slightly in advance of said second sheet,

a deflector disposed on one side of said path,

a separating member extending into the path of said sheets from the side thereof adjacent said first sheet and at a point between said propelling means and said deflector,

means supporting said separating member for movement by said first sheet with a longitudinal component along said path and a lateral component out of said path,

means biasing said separating member into said path,

said deflector being separate from said separating member,

and means on the tip portion of said separating member for temporarily retaining said first sheet thereon to curl said first sheet away from said second sheet and past said deflector whereby said sheets pass on opposite sides of said deflector,

said first sheet being releasable from said separating member whereby said first and second sheets move past said separating member on the same side thereof.

8. The combination of claim 7,

comprising a stripper member extending adjacent the path of said separating member for stripping said first sheet from said separating member and guiding said first sheet between said stripper member and said deflector.

9. The combination of claim 7,

including means supporting said separating member for swinging movement about a pivot axis displaced laterally from the path of said sheets and in trailing relation to said separating member.

10. The combination of claim 7,

in which said means on the tip portion of said separating member comprises a shoulder for temporarily retaining said first sheet.

11. The combination of claim 7,

in which said means on the tip portion of said separating member comprises a hook for temporarily retaining said first sheet.

12. The combination of claim 7,

in which said separating member is in the form of a flexible blade.

13. In a sheet handling mechanism,

the combination comprising means for propelling first and second superimposed sheets along a predetermined path and with the leading edge of said first sheet projecting slightly ahead of said second sheet,

a deflector disposed on one side of said path,

a pair of spaced stripper members disposed on the same side of said path and spaced a substantial distance therefrom,

a separating member extending between said stripper members and projecting beyond said stripper members into the path of said sheets at a point between said propelling means and said deflector,

means supporting said separating member for swinging movement out of said path and between said stripper members with a component of such movement extending longitudinally along said path,

means biasing said separating member into said path,

and means on said separating member for catching and temporarily retaining the leading edge of said first sheet whereby the advancing movement of said first sheet causes said separating member to swing out of said path while said first sheet is curled away from said second sheet and toward said stripper members,

said stripper members being efiective to dislodge said first sheet from said separating member whereby said first sheet passes on the opposite side of said deflector from said second sheet,

said first and second sheets passing said separating member on the same side thereof.

14. The combination of claim 13,

in which said means on said separating member comprises a shoulder thereon for snagging the leading edge of said first sheet.

15. The combination of claim 13,

in which said means on said separating member comprises a projection thereon for catching the leading edge of said first sheet.

16. The combination of claim 13,

in which said means on said separating member comprises a hooked end portion for catching the leading edge of said first sheet.

17. The combination of claim 13,

in which said separating member extends into the path of said sheets at an acute angle to said path.

18. The combination of claim 13,

in which said means supporting said separating member comprises an arm swingable about a pivot,

and in which said pivot is disposed in trailing relation to said separating member relative to the direction of movement of said sheets.

19. The combination of claim 18,

in which said separating member extends at a transverse angle to a radial line between said pivot and said separating member.

20. The combination of claim 13,

in which said means on said separating member comprises a shoulder thereon for catching the leading edge of said first sheet,

said shoulder being of a width substantially less than the spacing between said stripper members to facilitate the dislodgement of said first sheet from said separating member.

21.The combination of claim 13,

in which said means on said separating member comprises a lateral projection thereon for catching the leading edge of said first sheet,

said projection being of a Width corresponding to a fraction of the spacing between said stripper members to provide for easy dislodgement of said first sheet from said projection while avoiding damage to said first sheet.

22. The combination of claim 13,

comprising power means for assisting the movement of said separating member out of the path of said sheets and between said stripper members so that said stripper members will positively dislodge said first sheet from said separating member.

23. The combination of claim 13,

comprising power means including a solenoid for assisting the movement of said separating member between said stripper members for positively dislodging said first sheet from said separating member,

and a magnetic portion movable with said separating member and positioned to be attracted by said solenoid.

24. The combination according to claim 13,

comprising power means including a solenoid and a magnetic portion movable with said separating member for attraction by said solenoid to assist the movement of said separating member between said stripper members for positively dislodging said first sheet from said separating member,

and switching means being operable by the movement of said sheets for selectively energizing said solenoid,

said switching means being effective to de-energize said solenoid after movement of said sheets past said separating member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,017,179 1/ 1962 Stuckens 271-64 3,024,716 3/1962 Limberger 27164 X 3,162,435 12/ 1964 Rastorguyeir' 27164 M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner.

R, A. SCHAQHER, Assistant Examiner.

Disclaimer 3,343,834.-Anth0ny J. Mazza, Chicago, Ill. SHEET SEPARATOR DE- VICE. Patent dated Sept. 26, 1967. Disclaimer filed Nov. 5, 1969, by the assignee, A. B. Dick Company. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12 of said patent.

[Oyficial Gazette January 27', 1.970.] 

3. IN A SHEET HANDLING MECHANISM, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING MEANS FOR PROPELLING FIRST AND SECOND SHEETSF WITH THE LEADING EDGE OF SAID FIRST SHEET SLIGHTLY IN ADVANCE OF SAID SECOND SHEET, A STATIONARY DEFLECTOR DISPOSED ON ONE SIDE OF THE PATH OF SAID SHEETS, A SEPARATING FINGER EXTENDING INTO THE PATH OF SAID SHEETS AT A POINT THEREALONG BETWEEN AND PROPELLING MEANS AND SAID DEFLECTOR, MEANS SUPPORTING SAID FINGER FOR MOVEMENT PAST SAID DEFLECTOR AND OUT OF SAID PATH, SAID FINGER BEING MOVABLE BY SAID FIRST SHEET, MEANS BIASING SAID FINGER INTO THE PATH OF SAID FIRST SHEET, AND MEANS ON THE TIP PORTION OF SAID FINGER FOR TEMPORARILY RETAINING SAID FIRST SHEET THEREON TO CURL SAID FIRST SHEET AWAY FROM SAID SECOND SHEET AND PAST SAID DEFLECTOR WHEREBY SAID SHEETS PASS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID DEFLECTOR, SAID FIRST SHEET BEING MOVABLE PAST SAID FINGER AFTER BEING CURLED PAST SAID DEFLECTOR. 